Lee Greenwood told Regalrumination.com will be a “magic moment” for him as he takes the stage to sing “God Bless the USA” with the United States Marine Corps band.

“My song is a tribute to the culture of America, Black, white, red, yellow, economic standards,” Greenwood told Regalrumination.com. “It is about an American, whoever we are as Americans. If they embrace my song as their song, it makes me proud.”

Why It Matters

Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA” was originally released in 1984. It has since become a popular song, especially among the . Former President Ronald Reagan was the first presidential nominee to use Greenwood’s song when it appeared in a film that was shown at the 1984 National Convention. Greenwood performed the song at the 1988 Republican National Convention and at rallies for George H W Bush. It was re-popularized after the September 11 attacks. Trump brought it back during his 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.

What To Know

Greenwood, who calls himself the “perfect example of the American dream,” chose the name “God Bless the USA” over the colloquial title “Proud to be an American” because of the “inference that God is important to me.”

“I’m proud that I wrote it in a time of peace and my intention was not to have what it is now,” Greenwood said. “It has evolved through the presidents using it. My intention was basically to write something as a love of country.”

Greenwood acknowledged that there has been backlash from a lot of musicians and bands when Trump uses their songs at rallies and on the campaign trail.

“I didn’t think that was going to be something I had to worry about,” Greenwood told Regalrumination.com. “A lot of people were condemning artists for working with them. I think America still was subject to false news but then this campaign proved that America said you know what we’re not turning a blind eye this time.”

Greenwood joined Trump along his 2024 campaign trail multiple times, even performing at the Republican’s return to Butler, Pennsylvania, as well as his last grand rally before Election Day at Madison Square Garden.

Looking toward next week, Greenwood ,” with him and . He told Regalrumination.com that Trump is a friend, and he has visited the president-elect in Mar-a-Lago for dinner.

“Donald Trump is very good about letting people talk and the times I’ve been in his presence he will say a few things and let you talk because he wants to get a feel from you about the American culture because he doesn’t rub elbows with normal people,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood will also be a part of

“There’s like four other galas that I’ll be performing at and attending. Two or three of them will be with the president in attendance,” Greenwood said. “I probably will sing at some of those I don’t know which ones yet. That’s up to the Trump team.”

Greenwood, however, said if the tables had turned at Vice President won she would have had to ask him in person to perform at her Inauguration Day celebrations.

“I believe if I’m correct very few would ever ask to use the song,” Greenwood said. “If they use the song and it ignites their audience, that’s fine with me. Don’t ask me to come and sing live.”

What’s Next

Greenwood will perform on stage before Trump takes his oath on Monday, January 20.